Wenger unsure if Ozil can be leader for Arsenal
ARSENE WENGER admits he is unsure whether Mesut Ozil can deal with the responsibility of being a leading light for Arsenal.
The German World Cup winner has been criticised in recent months for a perceived inability to take a game by the scruff of the neck.
Ozil was once again on the periphery last weekend as Tottenham secured a 2-0 win over their local rivals, leaving Arsenal’s top-four hopes hanging by a thread as Wenger refuses to announce whether he will stay at the club beyond the end of the season.
The 28-year-old Ozil defended himself in a recent interview where he insisted he shows a ‘good attitude’.
But Wenger conceded ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United that his club-record signing may be affected by any criticisms.
‘I believe last Sunday (against Tottenham) to just criticise Mesut Ozil’s performance does not reflect exactly what happened on the pitch.
‘His style is more fluid, less aggressive but it doesn’t mean you want it less than others. Big players have to carry the responsibility of the team. People look at it like that.’
Asked if it suited Ozil to have such responsibility, Wenger replied: ‘I don’t know. I’m not sure. I think he embraces the challenge to play big games.
‘Does he embrace the challenge to be criticised? I’m not sure.’
Ozil — whose contract expires next summer — kicked a door in frustration having been selected for a drugs test following the defeat at Tottenham, something Wenger claimed shows he cares for Arsenal.